Photos: Jay High Day At The Blue Wahoos
August 4, 2021
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos held Jay Day on Monday, featuring the Jay High School Royals and a local state championship softball team.
The Jay High band performed the National Anthem, and the Jay Royals varsity and junior varsity cheerleading squads also performed.
New principal Benjie West, a Jay graduate who took over June 4, threw out the first pitch.
And the The Tri-County 8-10 Softball All-Star Team was honored for winning the Florida Little League state championship.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos courtesy Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Justus Shines In Wahoos 5-2 Win Against Shuckers
August 4, 2021
Connor Justus and Brian Navarreto each homered for the Wahoos as Pensacola took Tuesday’s series opener 5-2 at MGM Park.
After trailing 2-0, the Wahoos scored five unanswered, giving Kyle Nicolas (W, 1-0) his first career Double-A win.
Nicolas was excellent in his second start with the Wahoos. He allowed two runs in five innings while striking out six. Biloxi’s only offense came in the bottom of the third when Garrett Mitchell—the Brewers top prospect according to MLB Pipeline—launched a two-run homer to right to put the hosts ahead. Mitchell’s homer was one of only three hits Biloxi’s offense mustered against Nicolas.
Pensacola’s comeback effort began in the top of the fifth. After Demetrius Sims walked, Riley Mahan doubled to left center to put Pensacola on the board. The next batter, Justus, crushed a two-run homer to left field to put the Wahoos ahead 3-2. For Justus, it was his second home run of the season.
In the seventh, Justus walked to begin the inning. After a perfectly executed sac bunt from Galli Cribbs, the Wahoos picked up another run thanks to Peyton Burdick’s second double of the night. Leading 4-2, the Wahoos added one more when Brian Navarreto hit a solo homer of J.T. Hintzen to put Pensacola up 5-2.
The Wahoos bullpen, which had its struggles in the previous series against Mississippi, was magnificent against the Shuckers. Three different relievers pitched four scoreless innings while only allowing four total baserunners.
The series continues tomorrow night with RHP Max Meyer on the mound for Pensacola. He will be opposed by RHP Jesus Castillo.
Joyce Elaine McConathy
August 4, 2021
Joyce Elaine McConathy, age 71 of Pensacola, FL, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 26, 2021, in Phoenix, Arizona.
She is preceded in death by her parents Mr. Willie Roosevelt Bush and Mrs. Mollie Estelle Bush; four brothers, Cooter, Charles, Barney and Harold Bush; one sister, Evelyn Nelson and three grandsons, David Ellison, Russell O’Dea Jr., and Anthony Vaughn.
She is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Mr. Arthur McConathy; her children, Kim Vaughn, Robert Vaughn, Michael Vaughn, and Jennifer Ness. She is also survived by the loves of her life, her 11 grandchildren, Scott, Kristan, Theresa, Robert Jr., Katie, Christopher (Autumn), X’Ander, Jaxson, Brianna, Corey (Jennifer) and Summer; and her 10 great-grandchildren, Skyler, Jaelyn, Gracelyn, Camden, Kayman, Cara, CJ, Caide, Paisley and Greyson.
Joyce leaves behind so many nieces, nephews, relatives, and special friends who loved her dearly. She had such a loving heart and was known as Nana or Mom to all. She had a special place in her heart for Cathy Lorenzo, Teddy Lorenzo, and Randy Lorenzo (Christina) who looked to her as Mom all their life.
She loved to go to the Tennessee mountains on vacation. She also liked the outdoors, where she spent many occasions enjoying camping and fishing trips to nearby lakes. But she was always the happiest when she was surrounded by her family and friends.
Visitation will be held on August 8, 2021, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. and service from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. The family would like to extend an invitation to all for a Celebration of Life immediately following at Ashton Brosnaham Community Center, 10370
Ashton Brosnaham Dr., Pensacola, FL, 32534.
Heartfelt appreciation to everyone for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.
Luverne Knowles
August 4, 2021
Mrs. Luverne Knowles, age 79, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Pensacola, Florida. She lived most of her life in the Flomaton, AL, area and a was member of Little Escambia Baptist Church.
Mrs. Knowles loved her family dearly and always valued the time she spent with them. She loved sitting on her front watching the birds, especially blue birds and humming birds. Those were her favorites of them all.
She could often be caught sitting around crocheting, cross stitching and sewing. She was an avid gardener and loved working in her flower garden. Back in the day at any given time you could find her in her shop “Laverne’s Ceramic Shop” making ceramics and painting them, something she always loved to do.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Henry Morris and Mrs. Mamie Odom Morris; two brothers, James Morris, Junior Morris; one sister, Lucille Conway; and, daughter-in-law, Krystle Knowles.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years Edmond Knowles of Flomaton, AL; two sons, Larry Knowles (Teresa) of Brewton, AL and Marcus Knowles of Brewton, AL; two daughters, Debbie Simmons (Eddie) of Flomaton, AL and Lisa Knowles of Flomaton, AL; five grandchildren, Meredith Wolfe, Alayna Simmons, Nathan Knowles, Jack Knowles, and Alex Gatwood; four great-grandchildren, Scarlett Boutwell, Elias Wolfe, Grayson Najor, and Payton Gatwood; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home LLC with Rev. Jonathon Hill and Rev. Larry Patterson officiating.
Burial was at Little Escambia Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Brian Conway, Eddie Conway, Randall Morris, and William Blackwell, Timothy Knowles, and Buddy Morris.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Multiple Injuries In Crash Involving ECUA Truck Two Other Vehicles
August 3, 2021
At least four people were reportedly injured in a crash involving three vehicles on Nine Mile Road Tuesday, including an Emerald Coast Utilities Authority sanitation truck.
The crash happened at Nine Mile Road and Bell Ridge Drive in Beulah about 11:30 a.m. and also involved a pickup truck and SUV.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released further details on how the wreck occurred.
Photos courtesy Al Showers/WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Accused Of Molesting Underage Girl
August 3, 2021
A Cantonment man is facing felony charges for the alleged sexual abuse of an underage female.
Livonn Devon McCorvey, 19, was charged with two counts of sexual battery of a person between 12-18 by a person 18 or older.
The victim recently told investigators that McCorvey had sexually abused her since she was 12-years old, between 2016 and 2021. The victim, now a legal adult, told investigators that she waited so long to disclose the abuse because she was afraid to hurt the family, according to an arrest report.
McCorvey was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $20,000 bond.
Plans Approved For New AT&T Tower In Century; Construction Expected To Take A Few Months
August 3, 2021
The Town of Century has now signed off on the development plans for a new 305 foot tall cell tower for AT&T.
Earlier this year, the town council approved a five-year lease with options out to 40 years with Diamond Towers for an AT&T tower on a small parcel of land in the town’s Anthony Pleasant Park off West Highway 4. It’s small area tucked away essentially at the back of the park.
Diamond Towers will lease the parcel from the town at $1,000 total for one year with an optional extension for one more year at $1,000. Once a tower is constructed, Diamond’s lease will increase to $1,500 per month for at least five years, with another $500 per month due for additional cellular providers collocated on the tower. There are annual options for slight increases.
Construction on the tower is expected to begin soon, with competition in just a few months. The tower area will be fenced to prevent access by those using the park.
Former Sheriff David Morgan Withdraws From Pensacola Mayor Race Due To ‘Family Medical Issues’
August 3, 2021
Former Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan is withdrawing from the race for Pensacola mayor in 2022 due to “family medical issues”.
After 12 years as sheriff, Morgan chose not to seek reelection. In April, he prefiled to seek the mayor’s seat now held by Grover Robinson, who will not seek reelection.
By July 31, Morgan reported that he had raised $38,895 for his mayoral campaign.
Here is the full text of an email from Morgan:
Mr. Stafford,
It is with regret that I must inform you, friends, and political supporters of my decision to withdraw from the 2022 Mayoral Race. Family medical issues, which I had prayed would resolve by years end will not.
Those with political experience know that campaigns are high energy and intensive affairs, where candidates and their families must be solely committed to the effort. It is not fair to a candidates supporters, and the process itself, to continue knowing you cannot remain fully engaged.
We of course will be refunding all campaign contributions. Any expenditures to date will be paid by me.
Susan and I thank all of you for your encouragement and support. You will all be forever in our hearts.
Sincerely,
David Morgan
Will Your Child Ride The Bus To School In Escambia County? School District Wants To Know
August 3, 2021
The Escambia County School District has posted a school transportation plans survey due to a bus driver shortage.
“We are asking parents to share students’ transportation plans ahead of the school year in an effort to maximize our efficiency and reduce lateness,” the survey states.
Click or tap here to take the survey.
The school district is asking parents or guardians to complete one survey for each of their children. The survey asks one simple question, along with the student’s ID number and last name.
The first day of school is Wednesday, August 11.
RELATED STORY: Here’s The List Of Adjusted Start And Dismissal Times For Escambia County Schools
NorthEscambia.com photo/graphic.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely For Your Tuesday
August 3, 2021
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 85. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. North wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. North wind around 5 mph.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 73.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.